Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz were joined by Abel Wong and his 10-year-old son, Arden Wong, for a very successful outing while trolling Lake Del Valle on 8/15/24. We caught a total of 13 Bass, including 12 Smallmouth and 1 Largemouth Bass. The fish were hitting on both the eastern and western shorelines of the reservoir, particularly in areas of rocky or grassy structure. The fish were caught using 1/4 oz feathered spinners (Joe’s Flies, RoxStars, and Mepps Aglia lures), trolled 21-23 feet below the surface in 25-40 foot water columns. Scent was applied to the lures. 
Attached are photos of Paul and Arden holding some nice Smallies.

The lake was down several more feet from last week, and the fish were quite scattered throughout the upper lake (where incidentally the water clarity was excellent).  Surface water temperature was generally in the mid-seventies. All the fish were released.

One very exciting moment occurred when we enjoyed a “TRIPLE HIT” of three Smallmouth Bass, caught trolling by a grassy/weedy  bed along the eastern shore north of Swallow Bay!

We expect continued success trolling for Smallmouths in the future, and anticipate both large numbers of sizable fish being caught.

The Del Valle Staff, as usual, was very efficient, friendly, and professional. See you soon!

All the best,
Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga 
Abel and Arden Wong, Sunnyvale